An annual car rally has continued a proud tradition which began during the era of the famous Morecambe Illuminations.
The Morecambe Car Club 'Illuminations Pye 100 Tour' follows in the wheels of the annual motor rally which used to start on Morecambe Promenade.
Each year the non-competitive tour adopts a particular occasion to commemorate or celebrate.
In 2025, the event celebrated the centenary of sponsor and long-time supporters of Morecambe Car Club, the family business of Pye Motors.
Forty crews from around Lancashire, South Cumbria and West Yorkshire assembled at the Redwell Inn, Carnforth a damp Saturday morning, June 14, for breakfast and pre-event briefing.
They then set off on a 150 mile, non-competitive tour of the South Lakes and the Furness peninsular.
Starting at one-minute intervals the eclectic mix of vehicles spanning seven decades, and over 20 plus different manufactures travelled a route which as far as practical avoided main arterial roads.
They took to the lanes to the north of Kirkby Londsdale before passing the Pye Motors Kendal Dealership on Shap Road and calling at the Kendal Rugby Club for morning coffee. They then turned west through southern Lakeland via Cartmel to the lunch halt in the glorious setting of Holker Hall.
The afternoon run took them via the windfarms on Osmotherly Moor, Pye Motors' new site on Abbey Road, along the beautiful coastal road through Roosebeck to turn inland to the 18th century Gleaston Watermill and Dusty Miller’s tea rooms for refreshment!
A final hurrah was across Birkrigg Common and through the byways north of the A590 before turning south on the run back to the Redwell.
Along the way the crews were required to answer various cryptic questions relating to things they passed and record the letters from code boards put out in the roadside grass verges.
Whilst although dull through the morning with only a few spots of rain, the previous evening's downpour made driving conditions somewhat interesting!
Several of the moorland sections had lengthy stretches of standing water some probably over a foot deep and 30 yards long.
Plumes of spray shot skyward as the cars ploughed through.
However, a watery sun appeared during the afternoon and all but one of the starters made the finish for yet more food and the presentation of prizes for the snappiest dresser and smartest car/crew!
Thanks to Fred Bent, clerk of the course, and Tony North for the photos.
David Marsden and Heide Garstang
Neil and Ariene Calvert
Nick Payne and David Cartmel
Sid Ormrod and Keith Frankland
John and Julie Livermore
Friends from Morecambe to take on Ultra Marathon for brave toddler
Firefighters and swim centre team give key water safety message on Morecambe school visit
Police probe after stolen motorbike being ridden dangerously found in Morecambe
Man arrested in Lancaster after bridge jump hoax call
Local hospice wins national award for Will donation campaign
Cash boost for babies and families at Royal Lancaster Infirmary after fundraising at local golf club
Morecambe’s Pride in Place Board give update on West End investment programme
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
